From the Rector

Dear Friends in Christ,

Last week, in a conversation with one of our committees, I was explaining that we have new members joining the church even in this time when they can’t come into the building. They attend worship online, small groups like Mosaic on Wednesday night, and are in conversation with clergy online. They’ve never heard the choir at full force, never wandered the grounds at sunset, never admired the art, or even received Communion except spiritually at one of the weekday online services. 

Yet, something in the life, preaching, community, online materials, online worship, our e-newsletters, and the like is making them decide to follow the Spirit here right now. I think that’s actually an amazing thing.

What they’re looking for is not the best art or the most sophisticated music program or even the friendliest coffee hour — what they’re searching for in this difficult time is a way to follow Jesus more closely amidst the confusion and anger of the day.

Many of us are given to lamenting that which we miss right now. I’m even brought to tears watching the parish’s promotional video that we use in online advertising! I miss all the things we all do — Communion together, singing together, sharing time and tears together.

Yet, even as we miss so much, others are finding so much here right now. In this current time they are seeking and finding something here that feels like exactly what they need in this moment. It’s almost impossible for that to be anything other than the Holy Spirit leading them. This in an opportunity for us to get to know what others are finding here — for us to get to know Jesus more dearly and nearly. 

In any week right now there are three or four classes happening. A couple of small groups under way. Worship twice a day. There are zoom office hours and online coffee hour. Is any of it perfect? No. But neither is any day at church. How many times did we complain about the air conditioning, the sound system, the hard pews, the sermon, the music that was too long or too loud?

Literally every week since I’ve gotten here there’s been complaining about one thing or another — I’ve done it too — it’s human and, regrettably, something we do without even thinking about it. Now we have this time online. It’s not perfect — just like meeting in person wasn’t. 

What is perfect though is the love that draws us together — in person and online. With perfect love and charity Christ brings us into relationship with one another and with him. That’s the real joy of this time. He’s still doing that very same thing in new ways. When we get to gather in person it will be amazing — until it’s not and we forget how much we missed it. Even when we forget what we missed let’s not forget who brings us together and how he calls us to love one another through it all (in person and online). 

Yours in Christ,

Fr Robert